Public invited to retirement development community forums

One of the original pioneering families of the Gladstone Region, the Mann family of Benaraby, are progressing plans to establish a resort-style retirement village for active retirees.

Station Creek Lifestyle Village project manager, Jason Sullivan, said regional residents were now being invited to two community forums to hear more about the proposed project.

Station Creek Lifestyle Village community forums will be held on:

 Wednesday, 31st October at 7pm at the Gladstone Events Centre, Yaralla Sports Club, and

 Thursday, 1st November at 3pm at the Port Curtis Room, Boyne Tannum Community Centre.

“This is a chance for all members of the community to find out more about the development, show their support for the concept, and to ask any questions that they may have”, Mr Sullivan said.

“We’re hoping everyone who is interested in the retirement resort concept will attend, including residents aged 50 and over or their relatives. The forums will also benefit those interested in work from the project and everyone that thinks this is beneficial for the Gladstone region.”

“This is the story of a local, well-known family who have been in the region for many generations working towards providing a retirement hub and lifestyle for generations to come,” Mr Sullivan added.

The Mann family purchased land in Benaraby between 1871 and 1910, including two adjacent rural properties on the Bruce Highway at the Tannum Sands turn-off. The land was passed from the late Bruce Mann to his four sons, Michael, Anthony, Jonathan and Philip who created the company, Boyneglade Property Developments Pty Ltd and are working towards achieving their father’s vision to build a retirement hub on one of the parcels of land.

The lifestyle village was initially announced to the public in 2017.

“The Mann family is now seeking a Material Change of Use from Council to allow their land located along Tannum Sands Road to become a 510 home, over 50’s retirement village featuring an 18-hole Graham Marsh designed golf course among many other recreational facilities,” Mr Sullivan explained.

Part of the village will provide RV friendly homes with oversize garages to conveniently house residents’ RVs, caravans and boats right beside their home or ample space to pursue their hobbies.

“The village lifestyle will incorporate a community atmosphere, uniting and supporting like-minded residents aged 50 and over,” Mr Sullivan said. “The village will offer maintenance of yards allowing residents the freedom to hitch their van or boat and hit the road at any time with peace of mind, not having to worry about their homes.”

The project, if approved by Council, has the potential to provide a boost to the Gladstone Region with a local investment of about $300 million including construction and on-going work opportunities.

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